VLDL Cholesterol
Also written as: VLDL-C
Cholesterol in VLDL particles, the triglyceride carriers, usually estimated rather than measured.
What it measures
The cholesterol carried in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, the particles that transport triglycerides made by the liver. On most reports it is estimated from the triglyceride result rather than measured directly.
Why a doctor orders it
Usually reported automatically as part of a standard lipid panel rather than ordered on its own. It mainly serves as another way of expressing the triglyceride carrying particles in the blood.
What is generally associated with a higher result
Broadly associated with higher triglycerides, since the number is usually calculated from them. Higher values track with recent meals, alcohol, metabolic conditions, and an underactive thyroid.
What is generally associated with a lower result
Low values are generally not pursued.
Everyday things that move this number
Not every shift in a value reflects disease. These are ordinary factors known to affect this particular measurement:
- A recent meal, especially one high in fat or sugar
- Alcohol in the day or two before the draw
- Recent illness
- Whether the lab estimated it from triglycerides or measured it directly
Questions to take to your appointment
- Was this figure estimated from my triglycerides or measured directly?
- Would a fasting sample change this part of the panel?
- Does this number add anything beyond the triglyceride result itself?
Build a printable questionnaire with your own results →
Where to read more
MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, publishes patient-facing pages on individual lab tests and is a reliable next stop: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests .
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